Stuart Findlay believes his surprise decision to join Newcastle United has been vindicated following his impressive first-team debut - and an approving handshake from Rafa Benitez.

The 21-year-old centre-back was promoted from Peter Beardsley’s Under-23 side at the weekend alongside winger Yasin Ben El-Mhanni and midfielder Dan Barlaser and, after the trio impressed during training, they were all handed starts by Benitez for Wednesday’s 3-1 FA Cup third-round victory over Birmingham City.

Scotland Under-21 international Findlay was released by Celtic over the summer and was linked with a number of top-flight clubs north of the border.

But, despite being a regular during a loan spell at Kilmarnock last season, Findlay took the decision to further his career on Tyneside even though he knew he would not initially be considered for first-team selection.

Newcastle's Stuart Findlay made his debut against Birmingham City in the FA Cup (Image: Newcastle United)

“I’m over the moon - it’s the best feeling in the world,” a visibly delighted Findlay said after making his debut at St James’ Park.

“Just to know that you’re starting at St James’ is a dream come true.

“When I signed here at the start of the season that’s what I wanted.

“I just hope I’ve repaid the faith the gaffer showed in me.

“To make my debut at St James’ in the FA Cup, it’s a magical story to tell and I’m feeling on top of the world just now.

“A lot of people were questioning my move when I came here, thinking surely I should look for a regular first-team slot.

“But when a team like Newcastle come in for you, then you’re not going to knock it back.

“The amount I’ve learned in six months, you wouldn’t learn it from any other club.

“To have it pay dividends by playing at such an arena like this then you know it’s all been worthwhile.”

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The 6ft 2in defender has played pre-season friendlies at Celtic Park and has visited other big stadia throughout his career, but he does not believe he will ever top playing at St James’ Park.

“It’s different to anything I’ve ever played in,” Findlay added.

“I’ve played pre-season friendlies at Celtic and things but to play a cup tie at St James’, it’ll take a lot to match that in my career.

“Then to play with players like Jonjo Shelvey; Jonjo is the elite.

“To play with players like that is a dream come true. It makes your game so much easier because you know you can play a two-yard pass and he’s going to do something for you.

“If you do play with that calibre of player all the time then you’re going to improve, and I just want to try and do what I can going forward.”

After his debut, Findlay received a handshake from Benitez and a “look of approval”, something he admits made his performance all the more special.

Stuart Findlay of Newcastle United (37) controls the ball during the Emirates FA cup third round between Newcastle United and Birmingham City (Image: Newcastle United)

“A few of us trained from Sunday for a few days and then the day before the game I wasn’t sure if I’d be involved,” Findlay continued.

“But then I travelled over and we had the pre-match meeting, I found out an hour-and-a-half before the game that it was my debut for Newcastle so it was quite a shock for me.

“Then when Rafael Benitez comes up to you after the game, shakes your hand and he just gives you that look of approval - from a manager like him, that’s all that you need.